Maurice Dean Cruse

September 12, 1932 - July 23, 2019

Maurice D. "Pete" Cruse, age 86, of Dixon, died at KSB Hospital on Tuesday July 23, 2019. He was born on September 12, 1932, in Franklin Grove, the son of Daniel and Florence (Yocum) Cruse. Maurice was a Plumber and Pipefitter for the Local 25 and worked the last 14 years prior to his retirement with the Department of Corrections. He was a Veteran in the U.S Army serving during the Korean War from 1952 - 1954. Pete served in the Second Infantry Division in Korea, MOS 1729 Antitank Mine Platoon and Squad Sergeant. He received several medals, including the Korean Service Medal with one bronze campaign star, the United Nations Service Medal, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. Pete was also a Sharpshooter, and scored #1 in his age group at the High Power Rifle Civilian Marksmanship Competition, where he was a qualifying Sharpshooter for many years. He was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church, the American Legion, and the NRA. He attended the Honor Flight in 2012. He was united in marriage to Joan Donnelly in Amboy on December 4, 1954. She preceded him in death on February 17, 2000. He then married Shirley Myers in Dixon on August 9, 2003. He was preceded in death by 4 brothers Elwood Cruse, Milford "Mick" Cruse, Don Cruse, and Daniel Cruse Jr. He is survived by his wife; 3 sons Curt (Nancy) Cruse of Prophetstown, David (Marcia) Cruse of Dixon, and Michael (Christina) Cruse of Dixon; 3 daughters Julie Hummel of Dixon, Terrie (Brian) Bovey of Dixon, and Amy Mekeel of Dixon; 10 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; 1 brother Roger (Betty) Cruse of Rock Falls; 1 sister Jean Rock of Norwalk, OH. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at 11:00 AM in St. Anne Catholic Church in Dixon with the Rev. Thomas Doyle, Pastor, officiating. Burial will follow with Military Honors at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 AM until time of service in the church. A memorial has been established.